This Instant Pot pork shoulder with gravy is a beginner-friendly recipe. With our step-by-step pictures and instructions, you will be able to master a pressure cooking method for making succulent, juicy and delicious pork meat. The gravy is made with the cooking broth incorporating all those wonderful flavors of the meat, onions, garlic and seasoning. This recipe is gluten-free, keto and low-carb, paleo and Whole30 friendly. It's great as a simpler main for Thanksgiving or Christmas and as a family dinner main.

Instant Pot Pork Shoulder With Gravy Recipe

And if you like this recipe, make sure to check out our Instant Pot Roast Beef & Gravy, Chicken Mississippi Pot Roast and Mojo Pork With Instant Pot.

Recipe Overview

If you're new to Instant Pot pressure cooker, cooking a large piece of meat like pork shoulder might seem intimidating at first. However, this easy Instant Pot pork roast is actually one of the best recipes to attempt as a beginner.

Using the Instant Pot is very convenient for making an equivalent of oven pork shoulder roast and gravy in less time. We're talking 2-3 times quicker!

In this recipe, cut-up pork shoulder pieces are pressure cooked in a simple yet tasty broth until tender and juicy. The cooking liquid is then used to make a flavorful gravy sauce.

Everything is done with the Instant Pot keeping the clean-up clean and your oven available for roasted vegetables or dessert.

Pork Shoulder In Instant Pot With Gravy (Step-By-Step)

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to serve Instant Pot pork shoulder and as it comes with a delicious gravy, you need something that will hold that sauce. Here are some options:

Potatoes - you can try our Instant Pot mashed potatoes with sour cream or the cream cheese version. Otherwise, make them on the stove while the pork is cooking. For something a little more decadent try our loaded mashed potatoes. You can also do roast potatoes.
Grains - you can make a batch of Instant Pot rice (white or brown) or some basic Instant Pot quinoa - both can be done ahead of time - which are great vehicles for the gravy sauce. Couscous and polenta are other good options. Pasta noodles are another great option.
Vegetables - As well as some starchy carbohydrates, a side of veggies or a salad would be a great compliment to this dish. You can do Instant Pot green beans or broccoli, or make them on the stove, as well as carrots or green peas. A simple side salad will add freshness and tang and we also love pork with a coleslaw type salad.

How To Cook Pork Shoulder In Instant Pot

You will find the full list of ingredients, quick instructions, notes and nutritional breakdown in a printable recipe card below. Here are step-by-step images for how to make Instant Pot pork shoulder.

Step 1. Brown Pork Shoulder

Season the pork pieces with salt evenly. Turn the Instant Pot and select the Sauté setting on. Once the pot feels hot inside, add the oil and pork pieces. Sear the meat for 1-2 minutes, then turn over and do the same on the other side.

Brown the pork shoulder on Saute setting

Step 2. Deglaze The Pot

Remove the pork shoulder pieces to a plate. Pour in some stock into the pot to deglaze it. At this stage, press Cancel to stop the Sautéing process.

Making pork shoulder roast in Instant Pot - deglaze the pot - step 2

Step 3. Add Seasonings & Stock

Add the pork pieces back in together with garlic, onions, herbs, Worcestershire sauce and the remaining chicken stock or bone broth. Nestle the meat in the liquid.

Step 4. Pressure Cook Pork Shoulder

Secure and lock the lid. Select Pressure Cook (Manual on older models) and adjust the time using - and + buttons to 50 minutes. It should say HIGH pressure. The ON sign will display indicating that the Instant Pot is starting to heat up and build the pressure. Once the pressure is built up, the top valve will float to the top and then the 50-minute timer will begin.

Pressure cooking settings for making pork shoulder roast step

Once the cooking timer is done, leave the pot undisturbed to allow the pressure to release naturally. This should take about 20 minutes. You can also release the pressure manually by pressing the top button but do this after at least 10 minutes of natural release. Open the lid and remove the pork pieces.

Natural release pressure and remove pork shoulder from the pot

How To Make Gravy For Pork Shoulder

Once the pork shoulder is cooked, you can make the gravy with the remaining cooking broth, butter and flour or cornstarch. This is done directly in the Instant Pot as well.

Strain the broth through a sieve to catch onions and garlic, and return to the pot (minus the garlic, onions, bay leaf). Select Sauté again and bring the liquid to a simmer.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to melt. Turn the Instant Pot off at this stage (press Cancel). Dissolve and whisk the flour in water in a small bowl. Stir into the hot liquid, which will thicken it into a gravy-like texture.

Once the pork is cool enough to handle, shred the meat or cut into serving pieces. Serve with gravy on the side and some poured over the top.

Related: Instant Pot Roast Recipes

Storage Tips

Store leftover pork and gravy for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Freeze cooked pork and gravy (separately) for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or in a microwave.

Using Up Leftover Instant Pot Pork Shoulder

Leftover pork shoulder is great in wraps and sandwiches, pasta and rice casseroles, fried rice, or as protein on a salad. You can mix it with BBQ sauce or add to a vegetable stew or soup. Brunswick stew is a great example of turning leftover meat into something delicious. Check out our leftover pulled pork recipes for some ideas.

Full Recipe

Find the full list of ingredients, instructions, and a nutritional breakdown below. If you have questions or cook this recipe, please let us know in the comments, and make sure to rate this recipe so it’s easy for others to find.

Rate This Recipe

4.75 from 12 votes